Business In Brief

Aug 7 2008 Daily Record

THE UK's largest design and engineering consultant said yesterday strong demand has put them on course for "good progress" this year.

WS Atkins have been buoyed by major contracts and rapid growth in the Middle East.

Their highways business has made "solid progress" and begun design work on the £450million M74 motorway scheme in Glasgow.

They are involved in other major projects including London's 2012 Olympics.

AIRLINES will ditch 60million seats by the end of the year as the industry hits its worst crisis in recent memory.

Figures compiled by aviation analysts OAG show a planned seven per cent fall in flights and seats available for the last quarter as demand shrinks and fuel costs rise.

Experts fear thousands of jobs could be at risk around the world as around 250 airports lose some scheduled services. Around 3500 fewer planes will be needed, affecting order books.

WINE merchant Odd bins have been bought out by a group led by the son of the chain's former boss.

Simon Baile, whose father Nick ran the firm in the 1970s, has taken on the high street chain from French winemaking and retail group Castel Freres for an undisclosed sum.

Baile already runs small wine retailer Ex Cellar, with stores in Ashtead, Surrey, and Paris.

BROKEN computers, too much work, demanding clients and annoying colleagues are the main causes of stress in the office, according to a report.

A survey of 2000 adults found that more than a quarter of middle managers are regularly stressed out, compared with just one in five managing directors and junior staff.

Other problems include commuting, making presentations, long lunch queues and constant phone calls, the study for Extra chewing gum found.

THE credit crunch bit into new car sales last month, it was revealed yesterday.

A total of 153,420 new cars were registered in July 2008 - a 13 per cent fall on the July 2007 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said.

But the demand for "green" fuelled vehicles rose 19.4 per cent last month.

July marked the third successive month of falling sales, with registrations down 7.4 per cent for May to July 2008.